Cruise News - French Country Waterways
December 14 - 2010 : FRENCH COUNTRY WATERWAYS ADDS ALSACE-LORRAINE ITINERARY ABOARD THE LUXURY BARGE ADRIENNE
French Country Waterways is known for the unique, upscale itineraries it has offered aboard its own fleet of luxury canal barges for more than 25 years. Starting in April of 2011, the recently built 12-passenger Adrienne will sail the picturesque route linking the regions of Alsace and Lorraine – each with its own historical charms – in addition to her classic itinerary in Champagne.
Photo: Adrienne - French Country Waterways
The deluxe barge, decorated in the style of a Paris boutique hotel, sails between Strasbourg and Nancy every Sunday from April 3 through July 2. Six elegant suites offer king-size beds, individual thermostat controls, extra pillows, fresh flowers, heated towel bar, hair dryer and 110- and 220-volt electrical outlets. Prices for the weekly Sunday departures, April through July, are $5,295 to $6,295 per person, double.
Highlights of the itinerary include a walking tour of the historic quarter in Strasbourg, a picturesque district of small canals and half-timbered houses; dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Le Cerf in Marlenheim; a private tour and wine tasting at Domaine Bechtold; a visit to the 13th century chapel of the Cordeliers, with a stunning stained glass window designed by artist Marc Chagall; and a stop in Place Stanislas, considered one of the grandest squares in all of France. Guests are escorted to and from Strasbourg via private motorcoach.
The cruise experience is enhanced by the creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter fare, utilizing local markets and bakeries; four-course candlelit dinners accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy and other major French wine regions; fully-stocked open bar; attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French; daily sightseeing excursions and private wine tastings; and time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is also an option.
The Adrienne also offers an itinerary in Champagne – the historically rich region producing the world’s most celebrated wine – from July through October. Prices for the weekly departures are $5,295 to $6,295 per person, double occupancy.
The Adrienne is available for individual bookings as well as charter bookings – perfect for families, friends and groups. Special room rates are offered at deluxe hotels in Paris and/or Strasbourg for guests wishing to extend their stay.
Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 outside the U.S.; or, visit www.fcwl.com.
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